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Replacement or Extension of Dwellings in the Countryside – DoI Seeks Your Views on Planning Policy 30 September 2011 One of the most contentious planning issues that the Isle of Man faces and has to deal with on a regular basis, concerns the replacement or extension of dwellings in the countryside. In particular many developers and residents alike have sought greater clarity over the interpretation of the relevant housing policies in the Strategic Plan for the Island. The DoI has launched a consultation on a draft planning policy statement which seeks to clarify the planning approach it will apply. In launching the consultation, Phil Gawne, Minister for Infrastructure commented: “The Isle of Man is rightly valued for its quality of life – one of the key components in contributing to this is its landscape. However we cannot preserve the countryside in aspic. The countryside is a living landscape in which planning plays an important role in promoting sustainability of communities and their economy. We must not stifle new well designed housing development in appropriate locations, however we need to guard against inappropriate poorly designed development which harms the very qualities of our countryside that we value so much. I would therefore urge everyone who has an opinion about housing in the countryside to consider and respond to this consultation document.” David Quirk, Departmental Member for Planning added “Current planning policies in relation to houses in the countryside distinguish between those proposed on new sites, those proposed as replacements for existing houses, and those formed by extending existing houses. Except for essential housing for agricultural workers, construction on new sites is not normally approved, whereas replacements and extensions are regularly approved, but subject to compliance with various criteria which are intended to safeguard the rural environment as set out in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan Housing Policies 14, 15 & 16. However it is recognised that the current policies are sometimes difficult to interpret and apply, that is why we are seeking to clarify our application of planning policy.” The Department welcomes responses from anyone, on the proposed planning policy statement. We are encouraging everyone to respond using the structured online questionnaire which can be accessed here. All comments should be submitted to via the website no later than 5.00pm on Friday 11 November 2011. To obtain a copy of the consultation document, please contact Jo.Callow@gov.im, or write to her at Planning & Building Control Division, Department of Infrastructure, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas, IM1 2SF. Alternatively, you can view the document at www.gov.im/consultations.gov. More stories >>> |
